“We want to give attendees access that lasts beyond the day.”
Running is full of opportunity, but if you don’t know the right people or see anyone who looks like you doing the work, breaking in is hard to do.
Since 2020, the Running Industry Diversity Coalition (RIDC) has been blazing trails to help, and its “RUN THE INDUSTRY: Career Summit” is the latest step. Unlike a traditional career fair, this event isn’t just about showcasing jobs and employers. It’s about making the industry itself more visible, accessible, and welcoming, for good.
That’s the same territory WIRE lives in. Jobs, yes, I share those. But beyond simply pointing at open doors, this newsletter is about giving you the tools to build a sustainable, meaningful career once you’ve stepped through.
That overlap got me curious, so I chatted with RIDC’s Abigail Hollie, lead organizer of RUN THE INDUSTRY, about the barriers that keep people from seeing a future in running, and what it actually takes to find a pathway through ambiguous terrain.
Enjoy the interview, and be sure you’re subscribed for more insights.
3Q: Abigail Hollie
1. You Can’t Pursue What You Can’t See
The running industry is much bigger than many people realize. What keeps talented people, particularly those who haven’t traditionally seen themselves represented, from imagining a career in this space?
Across the board, we see visibility, access, and belonging as consistent barriers keeping people outside the gates of this industry.
Often, people assume the running industry is only for professional athletes or those who make and sell shoes. They underestimate the range of careers and sectors within it, and as a result, struggle to recognize their transferable skills. They think, “If I’m not a designer, or I’m just a casual runner, there’s no place for me.”
People need exposure to the wide array of opportunities in our industry, examples of the pathways in, and the chance to see people like themselves building careers. Whether you work in marketing, sales, or service, or you’re a creative or a coach, there is more than one place to find your fit.
But access only matters if people can afford to walk through the door. Events that offer this kind of exposure and connection often carry hefty price tags, putting them out of reach and reinforcing an industry that only the already privileged can enter. That is part of why, with the support of our sponsors, we built RUN THE INDUSTRY: Career Summit to cost just $25 while offering that same caliber of connection and opportunity.
Belonging cannot be missed, however. The industry needs to build authentic relationships with the communities being overlooked so that people not only gain visibility into the industry, but feel welcomed once they arrive. RIDC’s 2023 research found that BIPOC individuals make up less than 25% of running-industry employees, and just 7% of those in senior positions.
Recruitment and retention depend on creating spaces that foster belonging and ongoing relationships with these communities.
2. Access Should Outlast the Event
You’re intentional about saying RUN THE INDUSTRY isn’t a career fair. What are you creating instead, and how should someone without an existing network or even a specific career path approach the day?
A career fair often begins and ends with searching for, and maybe landing, one open role. We want to give attendees access to the industry that lasts beyond that day.
They will leave with access to job openings, but also lasting connections with industry insiders who can help them get through the door; a better understanding of their transferable skills; and education about the opportunities that exist across brands, retailers, race events, and other sectors. Through our workshops and education sessions, they’ll also get a look at the day-to-day work involved in the careers they’re interested in and learn about pathways from the entry level.
They’ll have direct exposure to leaders from some of the industry’s top brands, connections with other attendees on the same path, and a way to remain part of RIDC’s alumni network for resources and opportunities extending beyond their first job offer.
My advice is to come with curiosity. We are structuring the event so you don’t need to know in advance which questions to ask or which people you should meet. We will guide you, from networking conversation prompts to color-coded badges that identify the industry insiders and mentors most relevant to your interests.
Come with an open mind, the courage to embrace new ideas and new faces, and some thoughts about what brings you passion or joy.
3. Belonging Builds the Pipeline
Imagine in three to five years, we catch up with someone who attended the 2026 Summit. What might they say that would make you think, “This is exactly why we built this”?
Most of all, we would hope they had found a place in the industry and could see a future for their career that made them want to stick around.
That would mean having a sense of belonging, understanding the access points into the industry and the opportunities for growth, and ultimately being able to serve as an example for others looking to do the same.
And by then, we hope the industry can say, “These relationships have been building for three to five years. When an opportunity opens up, we know exactly where to look to fill it.”
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What stands out from this chat is that breaking into running isn’t just about finding an open role; it’s about identifying where your skills and interests align, then building a network that sustains you for the long haul.
Building a great career happens one conversation, one connection, and one bold step at a time. Events like RUN THE INDUSTRY light the path. If you’ve been looking for a sign to move forward, this is it.
You got this,
-mike
RUN THE INDUSTRY: Career Summit
Saturday, October 17, 2026
Philadelphia, PA
More Information Here
Do you work in running and have insights to share? Let’s tell your story.
WOW. Such great insight, and what an exciting event! Thanks so much for sharing. ✨